The Santa Fe New Mexican from Santa Fe, New Mexico • Page A010

REGION A-10 THE NEW MEXICAN Thursday, May 17, 2012 Groups sue over proposed N.M. coal mine expansion Six sets of car keys were stolen overnight Monday from a property off Vista del Monte near N.M. 14. DWI arrest Anthony Cooper, 24, of Moriarty was arrested by Santa Fe County sheriff's deputies and charged with aggravated DWI at about 12:12 a.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Martin Road and Dinkle Road in Edgewood.

Speed SUVs The Santa Fe Police Department listed the following locations for mobile speed-enforcement vehicles: SUV No. 1 at Chaparral Elementary School from 7:25 to 8:15 a.m. and 2:10 to 2:55 p.m. and on Richards Avenue between Governor Miles Road and Rodeo Road at other times; SUV No. 2 is unavailable.

Help line Esperanza Shelter for Battered Families hotline: 800-473-5220 Camino la Canada between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday. Someone stole a silver chain and other jewelry from a house in the 1000 block of Valerie Circle between 1:45 and 3 p.m. Tuesday.

A Nintendo Game Boy and some jewelry were stolen from a children's room in a residence in the 1100 block of South Plata Circle between 1:45 and 3 p.m. Tuesday. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department is investigating the following reports: The owner of a vehicle reported to police Tuesday that five CD cases containing 20 to 30 CDs, four gray floor mats, four black floor mats, a black satin "Cities of Gold" jacket, four black velvet seat covers, a six-disc CD changer, a car stereo and a black velvet steering wheel cover were stolen following a crash, possibly by a towing company. A Glock handgun was stolen following a verbal altercation between a couple off Del Ross Road sometime Tuesday. The Santa Fe Police Department is investigating the following reports: Someone stole a car battery and an infant car seat from a 1983 Ford van while it was parked on the shoulder of Interstate 25 north of Santa Fe between 7:30 a.m.

and 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. Jewelry and an Xbox game console were stolen from a house in the 600 block of Pau-lin Street between 2 and 4:30 p.m. Monday. A burglar stole a 17-inch Vizio flat-screen TV and an Apple computer from a house in the 1100 block of Camino Sierra Vista between 3 and 5 p.m.

Monday. Someone stole a purse from a 2008 white Honda CRV parked in the 1100 block of Alto Street between 5:50 and 7:43 p.m. Tuesday and used credit cards for purchases at local gas stations. A set of spare car keys and some jewelry were stolen from a residence in the 1800 block of By Susan Montoya Bryan The Associated Press ALBUQUERQUE Environmentalists are suing the federal government over approval of a permit that allows for expansion of a coal mine in northwestern New Mexico. The Western Environmental Law Center filed the suit Tuesday in federal court in Colorado on behalf of five environmental groups.

The complaint names the Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement. The groups are challenging the agency's recent approval of a 714-acre expansion at BHP Billiton's Navajo Coal Mine as well as its claim that the mine hasn't caused health and environmental impacts. Anna Frazier, a member of the group Dine Citizens Against Ruining Our Environment, said the mine has affected the land, air and water that Navajo families in the area depend on. "Residents in the area deserve a full and thorough impact analysis that is translated into the Navajo language to provide for real public participation, not another whitewash for the coal industry," Frazier said in a statement issued Wednesday. Christopher Holmes, an agency spokesman, said the Office of Surface Mining has followed the permitting process to the letter.

He declined to comment further on the pending litigation. The mine feeds the nearby Four Corners Power Plant on the Navajo reservation. The plant, which provides electricity to households in New Mexico, Arizona and Texas, is the largest single source of nitrogen oxide emissions in the United States. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed pollution controls that would reduce the plant's emissions by 87 percent.

The plant's operators are also seeking regulatory approval to restructure ownership of the plant and shutter three of its generating units. Environmentalists contend the Office of Surface Mining's analysis of the mining company's permit revision failed to consider indirect and cumulative impacts from mercury and other pollutants coming from the plant's combustion and the disposal of coal ash waste. The lawsuit follows another legal challenge that questioned the analysis of an earlier plan that called for mining a larger area. In that case, a federal judge ordered the agency to revisit its first analysis. BHP Billiton said the company, the Office of Surface Mining, the Navajo Nation and other federal agencies followed a robust process in preparing and reviewing its latest permit application.

The Office of Surface Mining reviewed written and verbal comments before approving the application in March. Jac Fourie, president of BHP Billiton's New Mexico Coal operations, said the company is willing to talk with environmental groups about how it can study the cumulative impacts of the mine and power plant. He pointed to a recent settlement with the Sierra Club over operations at the nearby San Juan Mine, which feeds another of the region's coal-fired power plants. "We are committed and serious about being transparent, protecting the environment and willing to listen to other points of view," he said. IMELDA VIGIL 831927 2242012 PAT J.

MONTOYA (W0LFMAN) February 11, 1944 -May 12, 2012 DEVARGAS FUNERAL HOME CREMATORY Juan "El Compita" Dom-inguez, 48, Arroyo Seco, NM, May 11, 2012 The family of Imelda Vigil wishes to express our sincerest thanks to all who helped us through this difficult time. To Nash Roybal for Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Irene Montoya; his brothers, John L. and Arturo Montoya; and a nephew, Express Your Condolences Visit obituaries online to read or sign guestbooks, donate to charities or send flowers or gifts. legacy.comobituaries santafenewmexican Trial begins for priest accused in Texas murder-for-hire case RAMON I. VIGIL 441932 5162010 Dad, It has been 2 years since you left us.

We miss you so much. Not a day goes by that we do not think of you. An Anniversary Mass will be held on Saturday, May 19 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Anthony's Church in Pecos.

The Vigil Family. John Jr. He is survived by his brothers: Delfino and wife Susan, Joe Armando and wife Mar-cella; sister-in-laws, Anita and Angie Montoya; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 18, 2012, at 10 a.m. at St.

Anne's Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Rosario Cemetery. praying the Rosary. To Father Dominguez for the Mass. To Gene Varela, Theresa Varela and Teresita Vigil for the music.

To Martha Tanuz for the Eulogy. To Rivera's Funeral Home for taking such good care of our Mother. To the pallbearers and everyone else who supported the family with cards, prayers, flowers, monetary contributions, and for being there for us. To all who helped with the reception, and to those who brought food, helped with setting up and serving at the reception, especially Sophie and Richard Valencia and Clarence and Debra Lujan. We are deeply grateful.

The Vigil Family. Rivera FAMILY Santa Fe Funeral Options 417 E. Rodeo Road Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 989-7032 riverafuneralhome.com JOEL WESLEY BULLARD "COWBOY JOE" LEATHER ARTIST BY TRADE 471942 572012 Full Military Honors Funeral at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 9 a.m., Thursday, May 17, 2012. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the homeless, a cause Joe worked for in his twilight years. God bless to all who walked in his path with him.

We love you and miss you. Sister Janet and brother-in-law William Davis. Fisher then told Fiala that his brother might do it and promised to call him. Fisher instead called an attorney whose name he had seen in Fiala's legal paperwork. That attorney called authorities, who contacted Fisher.

Fisher testified that he cooperated with authorities because he believes Fiala belongs behind bars. "He's a monster," Fisher testified. A member of the Texas Department of Public Safety's gang unit posed as Fiala's brother and arranged to kill Fiala's accuser, who is not being named because The Dallas Morning News does not typically name possible victims of sex crimes. Prosecutors Hector Garza and Brandon Birmingham told jurors in opening arguments that the meeting left no doubt about what Fiala wanted. "I want him dead," Garza told jurors that Fiala told the man he believed was a hitman.

Fiala said he didn't care how it happened, according to Garza: "Chop off his head or shoot him. I don't care." Fiala's attorney, Rex Gunter, told jurors in opening arguments that the plot was Fisher's idea and that he set the plan in motion. He said Fiala was never serious about carrying it out. "In reality this was your plan, wasn't it?" Gunter said while By Jennifer Emily The Dallas Morning News DALLAS Testimony got under way Wednesday in the Dallas County trial of a former priest accused of engaging in a murder-for-hire plot to kill a man who accused the priest of molesting him as a boy. Prosecutors allege that the Rev.

John Fiala was distraught over indictments that accused him of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy in his rural West Texas parish when he asked a neighbor to kill his accuser. Fiala faces a charge of solicitation of capital murder, which is punishable by up to life in prison. He also has been indicted on four charges of sexual assault in Edwards County. The neighbor, Scottie Fisher, testified that Fiala told him about his legal troubles in November 2010 when they were renting rooms at a house in Garland. Fisher said that Fiala was crying and that he tried to comfort the man he had known just three weeks by patting him on the back.

"Can you go out and kill him?" Fisher testified that Fiala asked. "I said, 'Hell Fisher said Fiala told him "he deserves to die" and said Fiala was serious. "He said if he was dead all of this would be OK said he wanted him dead before Thanksgiving." questioning Fisher. "No," Fisher responded. Gunter asked Fisher whether he told Fiala "you need to have this boy killed?" "No," Fisher responded.

Gunter asked if Fisher's mental state caused him to be confused or perhaps not understand because Fisher is a paranoid schizophrenic. Fisher said no because he has taken his medication regularly for at least four years. According to a lawsuit filed by the accuser, who is now 20, Fiala repeatedly sexually assaulted the boy in 2007 and 2008. The lawsuit, against the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Antonio and the archbishop at the time, alleged Fiala twice forced the boy to have sex at gunpoint when Fiala was at the Sacred Heart of Mary Parish in Rocksprings. Fiala's accuser testified for mere minutes Wednesday.

He confirmed that he is the complainant in the sexual assault cases and not much else. He was not questioned by the defense. The San Antonio Express-News has reported that Fiala amassed a troubling ministry record that stretched back two decades. Fiala's record included parents telling Fiala to stay away from their sons and a psychologist saying he was narcissistic, naive and displayed potentially harmful sexuality. YVONNE NANETTE PEREA CATHERINE MAY RUSHFORD ALEXANDER Age 88, long-time resident of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, went home to be with the Lord on May 13, 2012.

Mrs. Alexander was born May 2, 1924, in Oacoma, South Dakota, to John Joseph Rushford and Eva Hanson Rushford. She married James Knox Alexander II on March 25, 1946. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and her sisters Cleone Rushford Nicholson and Helen Rushford Boehme. Mrs.

Alexander was a mother and housewife, became a licensed practical nurse and worked at Presbyterian Hospital and Anna Kaseman Hospital in Albuquerque. She and her husband moved to Santa Fe where she worked at St. Vincent Hospital and retired. She later moved back to Albuquerque to be closer to family. She is survived by her son, James Knox Alexander III and his wife, Diane Alexander; her daughter, Evelyn Alexander and her husband, Thomas Kennerly.

Other survivors include grandchildren Wendy Sultzman and her husband, Kurt Sultzman; Jennifer Williams and her husband, James Williams; Paul Kennerly and his wife, Rebecca Kennerly; Daniel Kennerly and Stephanie Roe; James Knox Alexander IV; and Joshua Alexander. In addition, Mrs. Alexander is survived by great-grandchildren Kelsey, Eric and Dominic Sultzman; Katharine, Matthew, Brennan and Benjamin Williams; and Alexis and Anya Kennerly. Mrs. Alexander also is survived by her brother, John Rushford, and sister, June Rushford Tra-vaille.

Other survivors include cousins, nieces and nephews. Interment will be at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on Monday, May 21, at 9 a.m. At 12 noon that same day, a memorial service will be at Calvary of Albuquerque, 4001 Osuna Rd. NE, in Today is your birthday! Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Hita, Happy Birthday to you. Love your Family and Friends.

We Miss You. Town protests police immigration enforcement policy RICHARD C. SANDOVAL On May 13, Ricardo Cresencio Sandoval moved on to a never-ending party under the New Mexico sun with tequila, classic cars, ravens, his dad and brother, and assorted departed cats and dogs. He was a son, brother, father, an artist and a great example of how to live a full life. His memory will be cherished.

Richard was born in Nambe to a family whose northern New Mexico roots reach back more than 400 years. He graduated from UNM and enjoyed a long career as an art director and editor at New Mexico Magazine. After retiring, the unof IK" JjL MARJORY MARIE HANSEN A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at Berardinelli Family Funeral Service. Contributions in Marjory's memory may be made to the Santa Fe Animal Shelter, 100 Caja del Rio Road, Santa Fe, 87507, or to Villa Therese Clinic, 219 Cathedral Place, Santa Fe, 87501.

checks could be happening. "They are trying to make it an issue, but it's not," she told The Associated Press. The immigration-rights group contends that when police departments enforce immigration law, residents are less likely to cooperate with law enforcement agencies. The petition asks the council to support the principles of community policing by ensuring the police department gains the trust of all community members to more effectively fight crime. "The enforcement of civil immigration law is the responsibility of the federal government," Jose Manuel Escobedo, the group's policy director, said.

"It is unconstitutional and just as improper for local police to ask for immigration papers as it would be for them to ask for proof of filing taxes to the IRS." The residents who signed the petition represent about 4 percent of Anthony's population. The Associated Press ANTHONY About 400 residents of the tiny border town of Anthony have signed a petition demanding that local law enforcement officers stop random immigration checks, activists said Wednesday. Border Network for Human Rights spokeswoman Christina Parker said the signatures were delivered to the city council Wednesday evening following a march through the community along the Texas-New Mexico border. Anthony was recently incorporated, and Parker said her group has received information that local law enforcement officers have been acting as immigration agents, sometimes in coordination with federal immigration agencies. City Clerk Gloria Irigoyen said the community's police department consists of one officer and that it was news to her that immigration ficial Mayor of Santa Fe spent time painting, carving, playing tennis, hanging out at his favorite bars and restaurants, and driving his classic '53 Chevy.

His father, Jose Sandoval, and brother Ben Sandoval preceded him in death. He leaves behind his daughter Emiliana Sandoval and her husband, Steve Byrne; daughter Maria Sandoval and her husband, Russ Nordstedt; granddaughter Riley; mother Teresita Maria Sandoval; sister Ruth Jiron and her husband, Arthur Jiron; sister Marcella Sandoval and her partner, Cynthia Wright; and brother Daniel Sandoval and his wife, Lorraine, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be at 6 p.m. May 17 with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Nambe.

The funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. May 18 at Sacred Heart, with a reception to follow at Sangre de Cristo Racquet Club in Santa Fe. His tennis buddies are invited to bring a racket and hit a few balls in his honor. His family will be establishing an art scholarship in his name at UNM. Berardinelli Family Funeral Service 1399 Luisa Street Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505)984-8600 Please sign our guestbook online at CALENDAR LISTING: To get an item on the calendar, deliver your listing to The New Mexican newsroom at 202 E.

Marcy St. Or mail it to P.O. Box 2048, Santa Fe, 87504. You can send an email to or send a fax to 986-9147. The deadline for listings is 5 p.m.

Tuesday. Because of space limitations, listings cannot be guaranteed. gerFuneral Director ManagerFun Bob Clifford Rivera family Funerals Cremations Proud to be Santa Fe's Only Locally Owned and Operated Funeral Borne and Crematory DAILY OBITUARY ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SANTA FE EDDDCSl HDD 417 Bast Rodeo Road, Santa Fe 505.989.7032 riverafuneralhome.com Located, at ttve Saata Fe 2vCettvorial Gardens Ceitveter.y.